FEATURE: Rookies shining bright on the ice for women’s hockey

The 2019-20 edition of the Gee-Gees women's hockey team is one of the youngest in recent memory, with 12 players on the roster in their first season of eligibility.

"Honestly, I feel like the rookies have brought a new energy to our team. I think it shows in our performance," said Meagan McGaughey, a four-year veteran and assistant captain on the team.

At times last season, goals were difficult to come by. The team collectively scored 31 goals in 20 contests. Roxanne Rioux and Sara Lachance led the team with just five goals each.

This year, the team has seen a remarkable improvement, with 23 goals in just 10 games. 

Rookies have been a big part of that. 17 of the 23 goals have been collectively scored by five newcomers. 

Alice Fillion has seven goals on the season, currently tied for most in the RSEQ, while Sophie Gareau isn't far behind with five goals on the year.

"I remember going down on a two-on-one with Jade [Todd]," Gareau recalled. "I saw the defence dropped down to try to block the pass. So I was like, I have to shoot, I have to make it count. I shot top corner, and it went in."

McGaughey was played on a line with Gareau and Todd earlier in the season, and the pairing has been mutually beneficial.

"I feel like they've helped me a lot too as a fourth-year player to keep developing. They're so skilled, and their work ethic really shows," she enthused.

On the blueline, Christine Deaudelin understands exactly what the rookies are going through. Now in her third season in Garnet and Grey, she was named to the U SPORTS and RSEQ All-Rookie teams at the end of the 2017-18 season.

"Our rookies are strong and fast, they're really good players, they can read the play well too. I think I can share some of my knowledge with them too," Deaudelin noted. "So I'm excited to see what they'll do this season, and in the future."

In game, Deaudelin has found chemistry with newcomer Kiah Vail.

"I feel we have the same type of play; she reads what I do, and I read what she does. I feel I can really help her with my experience on how to manage the style of play at the U Sports level," Deaudelin said. "She's doing really well so far, learning a lot in a short amount of time, so I'm really excited to keep playing alongside her."

In goal, the Gee-Gees have often turned to Aurélie Dubuc in the crease. The first-year from Trois-Rivières has been impressive so far, posting a 2.65 goals against average and a .905 save percentage in six starts.

Currently in her second season with the team, Jennifer Walker is the veteran goaltender among the group, which also features rookie Alexa Gibson. 

A key piece of advice Walker has given to her fellow netminders is to just have fun.

"Coming into first year you have a lot of expectations for yourself, and there's a lot of expectations in general," Walker said. "But I think you always play your best when you're having fun so just try to keep it light and fun, not super serious."

While the learning curve when transition to U Sports is steep, the current crop of rookies is passing with flying colours.

"The new tempo, the speed, the quality and skills of every player—there's a big difference. But so far so good," Gareau enthused.

"The teammates this year are amazing. It's like family, I love coming to the rink every day."